North East India Experiences Scientific Renaissance Under Modi Government
In a groundbreaking review meeting held at the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in Shillong, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant advancements in scientific infrastructure across the North Eastern Region over the past decade. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has seen an unprecedented transformation aimed at addressing decades of neglect, despite its strategic importance and unique geographical challenges.
Before 2014, the entire North East boasted a mere two weather radars, with only one located in Meghalaya, a region known for experiencing the world’s highest rainfall in places like Cherrapunji. Today, that number has surged to 13 radar systems. Similarly, the count of seismological observatories has skyrocketed from 84 to 171 since 2014. The introduction of lightning detection stations, now established in Meghalaya and Tripura, reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness, fostering scientific capabilities, and supporting technology-driven development in the area.
During the meeting, Dr. Singh engaged with various heads of science and technology institutions, who presented updates on ongoing programs, achievements, and future initiatives targeting scientific research and innovation within the North East. A highlight of the event was the inauguration of NECTAR’s advanced Geo-Informatics Laboratory, where Dr. Singh interacted with scientists, researchers, students, and local farmers, emphasizing the vital connection between science and the lives of ordinary citizens.
Innovative Technologies for Farmers
Among the remarkable technologies showcased was the Mobile Food Processing Unit (MPU), developed in collaboration with CSIR-CFTRI. This ‘processing on wheels’ model aims to bring food processing technologies right to farmers’ doorsteps, enabling value addition at the farm level and promoting entrepreneurship and skill development among small and marginal farmers. Dr. Singh stated that such innovations play a crucial role in creating livelihood opportunities from even small agricultural outputs.
Soil and STEM Education Initiatives
Reviewing NECTAR’s activities under the PM-DevINE programme, the Minister praised the establishment of the Vasundhara Soil Organic Carbon Detection Laboratory. This facility, which employs technology transferred from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), offers precise soil testing and scientific recommendations beneficial to farmers and agricultural research institutions. Nearly 2,500 farmers have already received soil testing kits, contributing to a comprehensive soil health database for the region.
Dr. Singh also visited NECTAR’s STEM Education Laboratory, which promotes hands-on learning through robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence. He commended the initiative to set up 50 STEM labs across five North Eastern states, which has engaged roughly 25,000 students in rural and underserved areas.
Promising Future for NECTAR
Dr. Singh remarked on the importance of NECTAR in driving scientific progress in the North East. The advanced laboratory facilities, including 17 drones for geospatial work, have contributed to projects encompassing over 2,000 square kilometers focused on forest carbon assessment and biodiversity conservation. The Centre has also trained numerous individuals in drone technology, further boosting local capacity and participation in India’s technology initiatives.
With the construction of NECTAR’s permanent campus in New Shillong underway, which promises state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and training, Dr. Singh expressed optimism about the future role of the Centre in delivering science-driven solutions tailored to the North Eastern Region’s unique challenges.
Congratulating NECTAR and its partners on their achievements, Dr. Singh anticipates that the Centre will continue to serve as a national hub for geospatial science and technology, contributing to the broader vision of a developed India by 2047.
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